Repulsed by Animal Cruelty, Attendance (and Profits) at SeaWorld Plummet
SeaWorld, which has been bombarded with negative publicity in the two years since a documentary exposed its abuse of orca whales, reported a steep drop in earnings on Thursday. (Photo: Greg Fischer/flickr/cc)
TND Guest Contributor: Nadia Prupis
Since the 2013 release of Blackfish, a bombshell documentary exposing animal cruelty at SeaWorld, the aquatic theme park has lost increasing levels of both profits and visitors, reporting an 84 percent plunge in net income in just three months.
SeaWorld announced its quarterly earnings on Thursday, acknowledging the steep drop in profits as a result of “brand challenges.”
Blackfish chronicled sustained abuse of orcas at SeaWorld and the consequences of keeping the animals in captivity. It focused on the case of one whale in particular, Tilikum, and how his mistreatment and confinement contributed to the deaths of three people, including his trainer. The film turned SeaWorld into an emblem representing the abuse of animals held in captivity for profit and entertainment, elevating longstanding calls by animal rights groups to boycott such theme parks.
But SeaWorld also generated its own negative publicity last month after an investigation by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) exposed the company’s alleged undercover efforts to sabotage local animal rights campaigns.
That report, released last month, suggested that a 28-year-old SeaWorld employee named Paul T. McComb infiltrated a PETA protest group to “fish” for information about protests and campaigns targeting the theme park. McComb allegedly used a P.O. Box registered to Ric Marcelino, the director of security for SeaWorld San Diego.
Whatever the reasons, the drop in attendance “really isn’t that complicated,” PETA said in response to SeaWorld’s earnings report. “People don’t want to watch abused animals being forced to perform pointless circus tricks. SeaWorld can either retire the animals to coastal sanctuaries, where they can start the rehabilitation process, or continue refusing to evolve and put itself out of business.”
Source: http://thenewsdoctors.com/repulsed-by-animal-cruelty-attendance-and-profits-at-seaworld-plummet/
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Please Help Support BeforeitsNews by trying our Natural Health Products below!
Order by Phone at 888-809-8385 or online at https://mitocopper.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomic.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomics.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST
Humic & Fulvic Trace Minerals Complex - Nature's most important supplement! Vivid Dreams again!
HNEX HydroNano EXtracellular Water - Improve immune system health and reduce inflammation.
Ultimate Clinical Potency Curcumin - Natural pain relief, reduce inflammation and so much more.
MitoCopper - Bioavailable Copper destroys pathogens and gives you more energy. (See Blood Video)
Oxy Powder - Natural Colon Cleanser! Cleans out toxic buildup with oxygen!
Nascent Iodine - Promotes detoxification, mental focus and thyroid health.
Smart Meter Cover - Reduces Smart Meter radiation by 96%! (See Video).